City working to connect its trail system

The City Council this week inked a deal with San Diego-based consultant KTU +A to revamp the city's multi-use trails and bikeways master plan, a document that outlines the city's network of bike paths and trails.

The $45,000 contract, approved by a 4-0 vote with Councilman Ron Roberts absent, covers the first phase of the master plan update, which will include gathering feedback from residents, creating an interactive website and organizing community walks and rides.

The city's master plan was adopted in 2002. Since then, it has been used to guide the creation of 22 miles of trails and 45 miles of bike lanes, according to a report for the council.

Those segments are not connected, however, requiring an update that will create a "cohesive system."

Mayor Mike Naggar said Wednesday that he hopes folks turn out for the upcoming workshops because the input of the public, the people who walk and ride right now on the city's existing network, will be invaluable.

"Those people who are actively out there using the trails and bikeways now have the best information we can use," he said.

As an avid cyclist, Naggar has seen firsthand the areas of the city that need work, but he said there are two main sections that are priorities: the Interstate 15 underpass at Temecula Parkway and the Winchester Road overpass across the freeway.

By making it easier and safer for folks to navigate those areas, Naggar said cyclists will be more inclined to try out the 20-mile loop of the city and bring along young riders.

"The main connection is to loop the city," he said.

Talking about the economic benefit of the update, Naggar said the city will be able to market its network of trails to visitors from out of town and link its network to popular trails on the city's outskirts: hillside routes in De Luz, Wine Country and Rainbow.

In addition, Naggar said he wants to see mountain bike trails spelled out that would allow the city to market itself to those riders.

In the second phase, which is expected to be complete by spring of next year, the information gathered during the first phase will be put to use when KTU + A puts together a plan of action that includes cost estimates and strategies that detail how the city can pay for new trail segments.

That phase also will incorporate five-year pedestrian and bike collision data for "hot spot" analysis associated with Safe Routes to Schools, identification of trail heads, a sign plan and a breakdown of economic impacts and public health benefits.

A separate contract for Phase 2 will be presented to the council this summer.

Rick Peoples, co-founder of the Temecula Bicycle Coalition, said he is happy to see the city moving forward with the update and he said it will be a boon for the city when complete.

"We think it's a great thing that they've actually spent money to do a study," he said.